Uprooted trees and fallen electric poles litter a street in Doctors Colony in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
Visakhapatnam district administration on Wednesday announced that all educational institutions in the district will be closed on Thursday in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, while District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore has directed officials to expedite the restoration of electricity, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and road connectivity to restore normalcy.
At least 554 people were staying at 15 relief centres across the district as of Wednesday, including 260 in Pendurthi. All pregnant women had been shifted to local hospitals as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Mr. Kishore, accompanied by GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and Joint Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari, reviewed relief and restoration operations with officials from 12 departments at the Collectorate. He directed them to ensure adequate facilities at relief centres and prioritise the safety of evacuees.
‘Restore power supply’
The Collector asked the electricity department to repair damaged power poles and restore supply to affected areas at the earliest. The GVMC and electricity officials were told to coordinate tree clearance and power restoration, while responding promptly to public complaints.
Officials were also directed to remove uprooted trees from roads and footpaths, clear dangerous branches and unstable poles, and remove precariously placed flex boards and hoardings. A special drive will be undertaken along Beach Road to clear fallen trees, clean drains and remove accumulated waste.
The GVMC was instructed to intensify sanitation in affected and low-lying areas, remove garbage and sprinkle bleaching powder. Officials must also clear obstructions in drains, streams and canals to prevent water stagnation and ensure safe drinking water supply.
The health department has been directed to organise medical camps in affected areas on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, officials must monitor reservoir water levels, assess vulnerable structures and regulate traffic in hazardous locations wherever necessary.
With the possibility of further rain, the Collector stressed the need for field-level monitoring and coordination among departments to ensure public safety and speed up restoration work.
Published – October 28, 2026 10:43 pm IST
